Choosing the Right Panelboards & Switchboards

02-09-2024

Panelboards and Switchboards: How to Choose

When planning a new construction or renovation project with substantial loads, it is critical to select the best electrical power distribution equipment. Panelboards and switchboards are two of the most common solutions to examine; nevertheless, what divides these technologies?

Safeguard Automation & Controls the leading automatic changeover switch manufacturer in India are here to assist you. In this blog, we'll look at the important differences, uses, advantages, and limitations of each strategy to help you make the best decision for your institution.

Define Panelboards and Switchboards.

Before we go into the technicalities, let's first define panelboards and switchboards.

What is a Panelboard?

Panelboards, also known as breaker panels or distribution boards, offer access to protective circuit breakers for downstream equipment while also ensuring reliable power distribution from the supply source. Enclosed panelboards include a metal cabinet with many smaller branch circuit breakers that manage loads less than 600 amps.

Key components are:

Protective circuit breakers or fuses
Bus bars for current flow
Lugs, neutral bar, and ground bar
Outer metal enclosure

Electrical panel boards include basic branch circuits that supply power to lights, outlets, appliances, machines, and other loads. Breaker panels for residential and light commercial applications to high-capacity PDUs (power distribution units) for data centers and industrial facilities.

What is a Switchboard?

Switchboards route and protect electrical power feeds, although at significantly higher capacities than panelboards. They include more advanced voltage monitoring, metering, and control equipment, as well as protection devices for currents more than 600A.

The typical switchboard components include:

High-capacity circuit breakers
Volt and amperage meters
Ground fault monitoring and alarms
Larger bus bars

Switchboards are available in fixed or draw-out configurations, which allow for easy examination and breaker replacement. They also use heavier-duty feeder wires to carry greater electricity. Malls, hospitals, factories, and huge buildings are among the most common switchboard applications.

Switchboard versus Panelboard: Key Differences

Now that we've described both technologies, let's look at some of the key differences between panelboards and switchboards to consider:

Power Ratings

As previously said, the most significant difference is in capacity and ratings. Panelboards handle electrical loads less than 600 amps, but switchboards can handle thousands of amps in bigger facilities.

Design and Complexity

Switchboards also have more advanced voltage monitoring, metering equipment, and built-in safety features than conventional panelboards. This provides more advanced power control capabilities for large-scale applications.

Safety

In terms of complexity, switchboards provide extra safety features such as ground fault monitoring, integrated alarms, and maintenance disconnects. Breakers also use heavier-duty components to handle higher short-circuit current levels.

Cost

As expected, modern switchgear is more expensive, generally 4-5 times the cost of panelboards with comparable capacity. Complex switchboards require more time and expertise to install and inspect. Durability also necessitates strong enclosures and insulation.

Easy to use

Panelboards outperform when it comes to usability and ease for both end users and technicians. Breakers use conventional toggle switches and are conveniently located behind the exterior door. Switchboards require more ability to operate and navigate through high-capacity feeds.

Application and Selection

Now that we've covered the main distinctions, let's talk about common applications and recommendations for choosing between panelboards and switchboards.

Panelboard Uses

Panelboards excel in distributing power in residential, commercial, and light industrial settings. Typical applications include:

Houses and apartment units
Small offices.
Retail shops
Schools
Small Manufacturing Plants
Commercial Kitchens

Essentially, any facility that requires less than 600 amps per circuit can be easily handled by off-the-shelf or customized panelboards. They provide safe, dependable, and convenient power control in a budget-friendly compact.

Switchboard Applications

Switchboards are the preferred solution for large facilities with significant capacity demands. The typical switchgear applications include:

High-rise buildings.
Data centers
Hospitals, stadiums, and entertainment locations
Heavy factories.
Infrastructure includes college campuses.

Power Levels

The first key factor is determining your facility's electrical distribution capacity requirements. What type of load densities or motor sizes must be supported? Panelboards are suitable for capacities less than 600A, although huge switchboards can handle thousands of amps.

Safety & Monitoring

Determine the level of safety mechanisms, alarms, voltage monitoring, and metering your application requires. Advanced switchgear includes ground fault detection, maintenance disconnects, volt/amp reporting, and other functions that panelboards lack.

Space constraints

The amount of space available for new gear is also important. Panelboards can fit more breaker capacity in a smaller space than elaborate switchboard lineups. However, customized switchboards can be neatly adjusted to your space constraints as well.

Growth Flexibility

Estimating anticipated facility/power demand growth is critical in determining how much extra capacity your distribution equipment should accommodate. Scalable switchboards allow for the gradual addition of breakers or sections. At 600A, panelboards reach their maximum capacity faster.

Budget Limitations

Cost is almost always a motivating element. Maintain a balance between expenditures and capacity and safety requirements. Panelboards provide the most cost-effective alternative for applications under 600A. Larger switchboards provide longer-term scalability and durability to offset higher initial costs.

Conclusion

When designing your project, it is critical to examine your power requirements and capabilities before deciding between panelboards and switchboards. Consider power levels, safety requirements, future expansion, and cost limits. And, if necessary, speak with electrical engineering professionals; making the proper option from the outset avoids numerous problems later on!

Contact Selfguard Automation And Controls the leading automatic generator changeover switch manufacturer for specialist help on all of your panelboard, switchboard, and electrical distribution requirements. Our staff has decades of experience creating solutions for small shops and large institutions in every industry.